8 Tips for Planning your Trip to the Vatican
Vatican City with St Peter’s Basilica is a must-see stop on your tour of Rome. Beyond the fact that it is its own “country,” the amount of history concentrated in that small area is phenomenal and cannot be missed. With that being said there are a few things you should know before you plan your trip.
1. Long Lines
The lines for the Vatican are insanely long year round. Don’t get stick in a 2+ hour line long when you can buy your ticket ahead of time for either a set time to “skip the line” or book a tour with the same “skip the line” access. We were inside the Vatican within 20 minutes of meeting our tour guide.
2. Pick-Pockets
Keep your hand and eyes on your purses and pockets because there are all sorts of shady people lurking to take your things off of your hands. Between pick-pockets and the gypsies begging, it can feel a little uncomfortable.
3. Crowds
Once you’re inside, the crowds don’t go away. Unlike some museums that limit the amount of people inside at one time, the Vatican just packs people in. I have never been in a more crowded museum in my life. Maybe mid week like Tues-Wed would be a bit better but I wouldn’t bet too much on it.
4. So much to see, but not to read
Th Vatican Museums have almost as much stuff in them as the Louvre but in a smaller space. Some rooms seem like they could be preparing for a statue yard sale with statues and statues pieces lined down the hall and up the walls. This is where an audio guide or tour guide are essential, otherwise you will have no clue what you are looking at or why it could be important
5. No AC
It’s hot inside and there isn’t AC. At the same time, you are going into a church so you can’t show your knees, stomach, or shoulders so keep that in mind for dressing. Rome cools down in the winter but if you are headed between May & September, be prepared for heat
6. Pee First
This input comes on behalf of my husband. If you miss your chance to pee before your tour starts, you may not get another chance for 2+ hours, or risk your precious time to be able to see some of the art
7. Be ready to walk
If you book a tour, don’t expect to have much sitting or down time. The museums are too crowded to really be able to stop for too long of a time. They are also massive, so in order to see as much as you can, you really hustle.
8. Look Up
While you are enjoying all of the art on the walls, don’t forget to take some time to look up. Some of my favorite parts of the museums were the ceilings. They have just as much detail, if not more, than some of the artwork!
With these things in mind, you are prepared for your best visit to Vatican City!
Xx
Kali